Cargo iQ Onboards Industry Leader SAL to Set New Standards in Saudi Logistics

Cargo iQ has strengthened its membership with the inclusion of Saudi Arabian logistics and supply chain provider SAL, which has joined as a full member. This addition aligns with Cargo iQ’s goal to expand its membership, welcoming new members from across the supply chain to enhance the quality of the air cargo process.

“As handlers of 95% of Saudi Arabia’s inbound and outbound cargo, and drivers of quality and efficiency, SAL is an important addition to the Cargo iQ membership,” said Marie Seco-Köppen, Executive Director, Cargo iQ.

“Its ambitious plans to achieve better coordination, visibility, resource optimisation, and rapid information exchange, will also enable industry stakeholders working with it to improve process quality.”

SAL has worked with Cargo iQ to create their membership roadmap and has already implemented the milestones Freight Into Warehouse (FIW) and Freight Out of Warehouse (FOW), which improve transparency of warehouse processes and bring more clarity to the SLA performance exchanges with the airlines.

SAL has reached a significant operational milestone with the successful implementation of the FIW and FOW processes in compliance with CIQ standards. This advancement strengthens transparency and streamlines operations, reinforcing SAL’s commitment to delivering superior logistics solutions for its customers.

This achievement represents the first phase of SAL’s broader initiative to optimize its operational processes, with a key focus on Exception Handling and Freight Waybill Performance (FWB). These improvements are designed to proactively identify issues, ensure timely resolution, and improve overall service efficiency.

Also Read: Etihad Cargo Realigns Regional Structure to Strengthen Global Operations.

“Transparency and innovation are at the core of our logistics transformation,” said Mohammed Shahahmad, IT Director Business Application.

“By focusing on process improvements and leveraging digital tools, we are creating more reliable, efficient, and customer centric solutions.”

Sal’s success is driven by its cloud-based enterprise system and integrated cargo community platform, which enable seamless multimodal and cross-border trade through a unified digital window. This platform provides real-time visibility and coordination across the supply chain, benefiting all stakeholders involved.

transport logistic and air cargo Southeast Asia (tlacSEA) 2025 to Bolster Regional Supply Chains Amid Global Uncertainty

The three-day event in Singapore aims to accelerate digitalization, enhance resilience, and promote sustainability in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing logistics sector.

Amid growing pressures on global supply chains driven by geopolitical shifts and rising sustainability demands, Southeast Asia is solidifying its role as a vital hub for global trade and logistics. The second edition of transport logistic Southeast Asia and air cargo Southeast Asia (tlacSEA) will convene industry leaders, policymakers, and shippers at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from October 29 to 31, 2025, to help shape the future of logistics in the region.

With a combined GDP of USD 4.3 trillion, Southeast Asia is becoming an increasingly vital node in global supply chains. The region’s growing importance is supported by trade agreements, infrastructure upgrades, and digital innovation, which are driving demand for sustainable and more resilient logistics networks. tlacSEA 2025 will bring together over 10,000 industry professionals and more than 300 exhibitors across 15,000 sqm of exhibition space, creating one of the most influential platforms for cross-border collaboration, innovation, and growth for Southeast Asia.

Unlocking Southeast Asia’s Logistics Potential

Southeast Asia’s logistics market is expected to reach USD 478 billion by 2030 (Mordor Intelligence), driven by rising intra-regional trade, a manufacturing boom, and a rapidly growing e-commerce sector expected to hit USD 280 billion by 2027 (Google, Temasek, Bain & Co.). From AI-driven logistics to green supply chain initiatives, tlacSEA 2025 will showcase how Southeast Asia is turning obstacles, such as border bottlenecks, infrastructure gaps, and sustainability demands, into growth opportunities. The event will explore strategies to:

tlacSEA Connect Malaysia: Powering Regional Trade Growth

As part of its regional engagement, tlacSEA Connect debuts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 14, 2025, at the Nexus Connexion Conference & Event Centre. The half-day program featured industry networking and insights from top executives on Malaysia’s emergence as a logistics and manufacturing hub, key trade challenges and opportunities—from tariffs to sustainability and digitalization—and the importance of cross-border supply chain integration.

“Malaysia’s strategic location and strong manufacturing base present significant opportunities for cross-border trade. However, to fully unlock this potential, we must address key challenges, including evolving industry demands, escalating operational costs, and growing geopolitical uncertainties. Events like tlacSEA play a vital role in bringing together policymakers, shippers, and logistics providers to drive meaningful collaboration and develop more integrated, resilient supply chains across Southeast Asia. We’re excited to be part of this important platform that unites industry stakeholders to explore the evolving future of the cargo and logistics sector. It’s an opportunity to share insights, exchange ideas, and collectively drive progress across the industry. We welcome everyone to join us for meaningful conversations and fresh perspectives on the path forward,” said Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, MAB Kargo

Gateway to Southeast Asia’s Growth Corridor

Strategically located in the heart of the region, Singapore remains the top logistics hub to facilitate trade flows and enhance supply chain resilience. Held in Singapore, transport logistic Southeast Asia and air cargo Southeast Asia 2025 continues to unite the global transport logistic and air cargo ecosystem to explore market opportunities, expand professional networks, and lead industry transformation in Southeast Asia.

In addition to the exhibition, the event will feature a conference with more than 100 sessions and over 90 thought leaders who will share their insights and expertise on the latest trends in resilience, sustainability, digitalization, and market development across the global and regional logistics and air cargo sectors. These sessions will provide attendees with valuable knowledge and strategies to navigate the complexities of today’s global market challenges.

“Southeast Asia’s logistics market is expanding at an unprecedented pace. tlacSEA 2025 will not only facilitate business opportunities but also drive critical conversations on resilience, digitalization, and sustainable growth,” said Michael Wilton, CEO & Managing Director, MMI Asia Pte Ltd.

Pharma.Aero and TIACA’s Joint Project Aims to Enhance Healthcare Access and Support Agricultural Economies Through Air Cargo

Pharma.Aero and TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association) have partnered on the Food and Farm for Health project to underscore the economical value and the dual role of air cargo in healthcare access and economical development in low- and middle-income countries. Strategically developed in collaboration with CCA (The Cool Chain Association) and HLA (The Humanitarian Logistics Association, the project seeks to optimize air cargo’s potential to deliver life-saving medicines while simultaneously supporting local agricultural economies.

Frank Van Gelder, Secretary General of Pharma.Aero, provides insight into the project’s goals and impact: “The Food and Farm for Health Project is about leveraging air cargo to address two critical needs in low- and middle-income countries: healthcare access and economic empowerment. We, at Pharma.Aero, recognized a critical gap and initiated this project to use air cargo as a dual-purpose tool: flying in life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies while flying out perishable agricultural products—like fruits, vegetables, and flowers—from local farmers to Western markets.

By utilizing available cargo space on return flights, we create a more cost-effective, efficient trade route. This approach not only ensures faster access to essential medicines and vaccines, but also opens new market opportunities for farmers, boosting local economies and providing better access to international markets”, said Van Gelder.

“Air cargo is more than a mode of transport — it’s a critical lifeline for economies and communities across the globe”, commented Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA. “The completion of our Global Market Evolution Analysis marks a major milestone in understanding how perishable goods and pharmaceuticals move, especially in regions where access means everything. From Kenya’s flower exports supporting millions of jobs to India’s seafood sector driving billions in trade, our work confirms that airfreight is a catalyst for opportunity, health, and resilience.

As TIACA, we’re committed to building smarter, more equitable supply chains that serve both people and planet. This project is a key step in advancing that vision — and we thank all contributors for bringing their expertise and passion to this important work.”

Leveraging the expertise of specialists in pharmaceutical logistics, humanitarian supply chains, and temperature-sensitive freight, the project will analyze global air cargo movements,  assess their economic impact and evaluate their role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Food and Farm for Health initiative reinforces the shared mission of all four organizations to support equitable and sustainable access to healthcare and economic resilience globally.

The Cool Chain Association (CCA) is a non-profit organization bringing together all parts of the temperature-sensitive supply chain to create an impact with visible and measurable results both for companies and for society.

“Partnerships, connections and balance, as in so many areas of life, is going to be key to the success of this groundbreaking initiative”, highlighted Ian Buck, board member of the CCA.

“Aligning healthcare providers in their mission to provide lifesaving treatments and preventative medicines to developing and emerging regions, and in turn giving those regions an economic reach for their home grown and produced perishable products is the balance we seek. Highlighting those connections and looking to forge partnerships and understanding with solid data at either end we hope will provide access and benefits for all.”

Also Read: My Freighter Adds Eighth Boeing 767-300F to Cargo Fleet.

The Humanitarian Logistics Association (HLA) is a UK-based non-profit NGO whose members work on an individual basis or in partnerships, to respond to global emergencies. Established in 2009, HLA empowers logisticians to deliver humanitarian aid and development assistance more effectively, by facilitating better connections between supply and demand, and enabling cross sector learning, innovations and partnerships.

“The aid sector recognizes the need to change but is struggling to bring about transformation through evolution. There is a huge need to find innovative ways to strengthen local supply chain capability”, says George Fenton, CEO of HLA. “The air cargo industry is vital to the fast delivery of humanitarian aid, yet the last mile is still the greatest challenge. The Food and Farm for Health project will provide valuable insights to support effective, sustainable, change through improved cross-sector coordination, collaboration and knowledge sharing.”

Kale Logistics Solutions Selected to Build Oman’s National Port Community System

Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale), along with its local partner Novel Muscat, has been awarded the contract by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) of Oman to develop a National Port Community System (NPCS). This multimodal cargo community platform will digitalize and streamline operations across Oman’s ports, airports, land ports, and free zones.

Announced at the Oman Logistics Day celebration in Muscat, Government Ministers from MTCIT stood alongside governmental delegates from the Gulf Cooperation Council and officials from the World Bank to acknowledge the strategic investment.

The NPCS will provide a singular national logistics platform for all modes of transport and will streamline operations across Oman’s transport and logistics sector, facilitating international trade and boosting the state’s business potential.

Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al Busaidi, Acting Head of the Oman Logistics Center at the MTCIT, stated that the Logistics Sector Strategy 2040 is built around four key pillars. The first is Market Development, which focuses on implementing projects and activities to achieve the targeted share in land, sea, and air transport markets. The second is Trade Facilitation, aimed at a qualitative shift in cargo processing systems across land, sea, and airports, as well as supply and logistics chains. The third is Enhancing Employment and Omanisation, which emphasizes the Ministry’s initiatives in labor market governance, regulation, training, capacity-building, and increasing Omanisation within the logistics sector. The fourth is Logistics Technologies, which seeks to encourage companies in the logistics sector to adopt advanced technologies to boost their competitiveness in regional markets.

“This is an honour for Kale and we are keen to acknowledge the foresight demonstrated by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology in deciding to invest in the National Port Community System, which will bring countless operational efficiencies across the Omani cargo network,” said Vineet Malhotra, Co-Founder and Director, Kale Logistics solutions.

Also Read: AD Ports Group Inks 50-Year Agreement to Develop KEZAD East Port Said Zone in Egypt.

“Through the NPCS, Oman is poised to enhance its Logistics Performance Index ranking, strengthen trade facilitation, and create new employment opportunities, contributing to the nation’s economic growth. At Kale, our vision is to work with our partners to develop the next generation of efficient, sustainable, and resilient cargo solutions — and the NPCS in Oman will be a transformative step in that journey.”

Phase I of Kale’s NPCS will introduce the platform to Oman’s ports, then subsequently expanding its operational capacities to include all modes of Omani cargo transport.

AD Ports Group Inks 50-Year Agreement to Develop KEZAD East Port Said Zone in Egypt

AD Ports Group has signed a 50-year renewable usufruct agreement with the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), paving the way for the development and operation of a 20 km² industrial and logistics park near the Mediterranean coastal city of Port Said in Egypt—strategically positioned at the northern gateway of the Suez Canal.

The agreement to develop KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Zone was signed in Cairo, and witnessed by His Excellency Dr Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, in the presence of His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, His Excellency Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Affairs and Egyptian Minister of Industry and Transport, Her Excellency Mariam Al Kaabi, Ambassador of the UAE to Egypt, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group and Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Admiral Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Northern area.

Located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal on the Mediterranean Sea, KEZAD East Port Said is positioned to become a vital global trade and investment hub. The project aims to support the East-West trade corridor and bolster Egypt’s role in global supply chains.

AD Ports Group will develop, construct, finance, operate, and manage the new zone in multiple phases, beginning with a 2.8 km² Phase 1 development. Over the next three years, an estimated US$120 million will be invested in marketing, technical studies, and initial infrastructure works. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to commence by the end of 2025 and will feature anchor tenants including the region’s leading construction conglomerate, Hassan Allam Holding.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, remarked, “KEZAD East Port Said is a milestone that highlights the strong economic ties between the UAE and Egypt. In line with the vision of our leadership, this strategic partnership reflects our commitment to investing in Egypt’s trade and industrial ecosystem. This project offers long-term economic value for Egypt and further strengthens the Suez Canal’s position as a cornerstone of international trade.”

Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “This project reinforces the deep fraternal relations and strategic cooperation between Egypt and the UAE. KEZAD East Port Said will serve as a critical link in global supply chains, leveraging SCZONE’s integrated model of industrial zones and ports, underpinned by a strategic geographic location and advanced infrastructure.”

The East Port Said Industrial Zone benefits from its immediate proximity to East Port Said Port—a world-class deep-water port offering high operational efficiency and connectivity to major transport networks. The project will also synergize with West Port Said Port to deliver comprehensive logistics services to global investors.

Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, commented: “KEZAD East Port Said is designed to attract international investments, boost exports, create employment, and facilitate technology transfer. It aligns with our expanding business ecosystem in Egypt and builds on our strategy to position the country as a gateway for global markets.”

Admiral Mohamed Ahmed Mahmoud, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Northern area, added: “We are building an integrated environment that unites maritime transport, industrial growth, and flexible regulations. East Port Said stands at the centre of this vision, supported by world-class port infrastructure and its direct connection to global trade routes.”

AD Ports Group and Hassan Allam Holding also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and invest in the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial Zone. Hassan Allam Construction, the group’s engineering arm, was appointed in December 2024 to construct AD Ports Group’s new multipurpose cargo terminal at Safaga, located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

This builds upon AD Ports Group’s growing footprint in Egypt. Since 2022, the company has strategically acquired Transmar and TCI, secured a $200 million concession to build and operate the Safaga multipurpose terminal—the first internationally operated facility of its kind in Upper Egypt—and acquired Safina B.V., a provider of maritime and cargo services.

Furthermore, AD Ports Group has obtained long-term concessions to operate three cruise terminals across the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. Agreements are also in place for cruise and Ro-Ro terminals at Ain Sokhna.

Also Read: DSV completes acquisition of Schenker.

The KEZAD East Port Said project is a testament to the robust bilateral relations between the UAE and Egypt. It aligns with shared leadership goals to bolster industrial output, attract high-value investments, and foster regional manufacturing hubs. The development supports global trends aimed at shortening supply chains, improving resilience, and enhancing connectivity with major global markets.

As AD Ports Group continues to expand its international presence, this latest initiative marks a strategic leap forward in realizing Egypt’s vision to become a pivotal node in global logistics and manufacturing.

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GWC and Yellow Door Energy Unite for Major Solar Power Initiative in the GCC

GWC (Gulf Warehousing Company) has announced one of the GCC’s largest private solar energy projects, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and solidifying its position as a pioneer in green logistics.

As part of this landmark initiative, GWC will collaborate with Yellow Door Energy — the leading sustainable energy partner for businesses across the Middle East and Africa — to develop solar power plants at three key logistics hubs in the region: Logistics Village Qatar, Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, and Al Wukair Logistics Park.

Matthew Kearns, Acting Group CEO of GWC, said: “This announcement marks a major milestone in integrating sustainable practices across all our operations. Warehouses are key to this, and we are excited to partner with Yellow Door Energy to introduce this innovative solution that will deliver real impact at these three sites.”

“The Gulf enjoys an abundance of sunlight and this project will harness this renewable resource to power our operations, not only reducing our carbon footprint but also contributing to a more sustainable future for the region.”

GWC offers a diverse and growing service portfolio, including contract logistics, freight forwarding, transportation, records management, and supply chain consulting.

As a member of the UN Global Compact, it has committed to adopting sustainable and socially responsible policies across all its activities, with the aim of reducing carbon emissions by 3% for Scope 1 (direct emissions from fleet) and 6% for Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy), as well as 20% reduction in waste by 2030.

GWC’s latest sustainability initiative closely aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which targets 4 GW of new large-scale renewable energy capacity by 2030, with solar playing a key role.

Jeremy Crane, Group CEO of Yellow Door Energy, said: “We are honored to embark on this partnership with GWC to accelerate its sustainability stewardship, reduce its energy costs and contribute to Qatar’s Net Zero by 2050 target. As the largest and most trusted distributed solar developer in the region, Yellow Door Energy is well positioned to help large energy consumers, such as logistics industrial parks, decarbonize their operations and enhance their business resilience. With over 400 MWp of awarded solar assets across 150 sites, our team of dedicated energy professionals is ready to deploy capital, spearhead design and construction whilst adhering to the strictest QHSSE standards, and operate and maintain the solar power systems to maximize their performance during the tenure of the terms.”

GWC has been widely recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship, with Al Wukair Logistics Park, a site in this project, winning the ‘Logistics Project of the Year’ at the 2025 Logistics Middle East Awards, including for its green initiatives.

GWC also earned a place among Forbes Middle East’s Sustainability Leaders for 2024.

Other trailblazing green projects include the Biobin recycling program, which processed food waste from GWC sites into 40 tons of premium compost that was donated to community garden projects last year.

Also Read: Carrier Transicold Debuts Electric TRUs at ACT Expo.

The company also recycles up to 120,000 cubic meters of sewage water annually at the Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, using it to irrigate trees and shrubs. The initiative won the Best Water Recycling Initiative Award during Tarsheed Energy Efficiency Forum 2024.

GWC is undergoing a period of growth, driven by regional expansions and strategic partnerships in key markets across the GCC. These efforts are aimed at increasing GWC’s presence and capabilities across the region to meet the growing demand for innovative logistics solutions.

DHL Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Third-Party Logistics Providers

DHL has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Third-Party Logistics. Gartner provides actionable, objective insights to executives and their teams, offering expert guidance and tools that drive faster, smarter decision-making and enhanced performance on critical organizational priorities.

Gartner’s Magic Quadrants are evaluated along two key axes: Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision, each with seven and eight sub-criteria, respectively. This marks the 10th time DHL has been included in this research, represented by its two business units, DHL Supply Chain and DHL Global Forwarding.

Oscar de Bok, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, considers this recognition a testament to the company’s strategic direction: “In a world increasingly shaped by economic and geopolitical uncertainties, resilient and agile supply chains have become vital differentiators for businesses of all sizes – from SMEs to global enterprises. We are dedicated to supporting our supply chain customers with data-driven expertise that helps them proactively manage risks, navigate complexity, and seize new opportunities. Through our investments in AI-powered solutions, we deliver actionable insights, while our expanding global network ensures reliable, seamless operations across diverse markets, whatever the challenges.”

De Bok continues: “We believe, this continued recognition by Gartner underscores the strength and ongoing relevance of our portfolio in addressing today’s supply chain challenges. We are constantly adapting to the evolving demands of the market, from accelerating digitalization to supporting sustainability efforts with our GoGreen Plus service. Our value-added services are designed to address the complexities of areas such as real estate development, e-commerce operations, returns management, and packaging, helping customers to navigate these challenges with greater efficiency and insight.”

Also Read: DP World’s Newest Vessel Marks Maiden Arrival at Jebel Ali Port.

Markus Voss, Global Chief Development Officer of DHL Supply Chain, adds: “To us, our positioning as a leader on the Gartner Magic Quadrant reflects our unwavering focus on innovation, agility, and customer-centricity. Small and mid-sized businesses in particular are benefiting from our scalable infrastructure and continued expansion of our DHL Fulfillment Network. Tools like our MySupplyChain portal offer real-time visibility enabling our customers to manage complex supply chain challenges with confidence and flexibility.”

Aramex Board Announces Resignation of CEO Othman Al-Jeda, Appoints Nicolas Sibuet as Acting CEO

Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has announced that its Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of Othman Al-Jeda, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), for personal reasons. Nicolas Sibuet, Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as Acting Group CEO, effective 24 April 2025.

Captain Mohamed Juma Alshamsi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aramex, said: “Speaking on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Othman for his extraordinary commitment to Aramex over 31 years of service. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of this company have been instrumental in shaping Aramex into the global logistics player it is today. The Board has accepted Othman’s resignation with deep appreciation and great respect for the legacy he leaves behind.

“To ensure a smooth transition, we have appointed Nicolas Sibuet, our Chief Financial Officer, to serve as Acting Group CEO, effective 24 April 2025. Nicolas joined Aramex in January 2022 as Chief Financial Officer and is a trusted leader. Nicolas brings 30 years of experience across the logistics, shipping, oil & gas, and aviation industries with a proven track record of leading companies towards transformational growth. We are confident that under his leadership, Aramex will continue to advance with strength and clarity of purpose.”

Also Read: KLN Opens New Logistics Facility in Netherlands for E-Commerce.

Othman Al-Jeda, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “I would like to thank the Board, my team and every employee at Aramex for what we have achieved together — building a global logistics company from the region, innovating across borders, and staying true to our values. I am grateful to have been a part of this extraordinary company for the past 31 years: from my earliest days on the ground, to the many challenges and milestones we have faced together, I have grown alongside Aramex — not only as a professional, but as a person. I have full confidence in Aramex’s future and the leadership of Nicolas Sibuet, who will carry the momentum forward with strength, care, and a deep sense of responsibility.”

Nicolas Sibuet, Chief Financial Officer, said: “I am grateful to the Board for the confidence they have placed in me, and look forward to leading Aramex in the interim period and through its next stage of growth. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Othman for his leadership and guidance over the years, as well as his invaluable contributions to the business.”

Dubai South Opens New High-Tech Facility for Expeditors

Dubai South, the largest single-urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics and real estate, has inaugurated a new facility at the Logistics District in Dubai South for Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., a Fortune 500 global logistics company.

The official opening ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both organizations, including Mohsen Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of the Logistics District, Dubai South; and from Expeditors, Wael Hanna, District Manager, Dubai, K Murali, Senior Vice President, Middle East, Africa & Indian Subcontinent; and Mathew Joseph, Regional Vice President, Middle East and North Africa.

Spanning approximately 23,200 square meters, the facility is designed to provide comprehensive warehousing and fulfilment services, including container freight station operations. Additional offerings include inventory management, kitting, labelling, order management, compliance inspections, return programs, transportation management, pick-and-pack services, and quality control inspections.

In his comments, Mohsen Ahmad said: “We are delighted to inaugurate Expeditors’ new facility, which will deliver innovative logistics solutions to meet the region’s growing demand for advanced supply chain services. At Dubai South, our mandate is to support the government’s vision of positioning Dubai as one of the world’s leading logistics hubs.”

Wael Hanna said: “We first opened in Dubai more than 25 years ago. Today, we are excited to open this new state-of-the-art facility which is emblematic of our unwavering commitment to meeting the growing demands of our customers while enhancing operational efficiency.”

Expeditors, a global logistics company headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, employs trained professionals in 176 district offices and numerous branch locations located on six continents linked into a seamless worldwide network through an integrated information management system. Its services include the consolidation or forwarding of air and ocean freight, customs brokerage, vendor consolidation, cargo insurance, time-definite transportation, order management, warehousing and distribution, and customized logistics solutions.

Representing the pinnacle of logistical innovation encapsulated within a premier infrastructure network, Dubai South’s Logistics District offers premier services and operations as well as uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The district comprises multiple zones, which have direct access to the cargo terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport; EZDubai, a fully dedicated e-commerce free zone; and a Contract Logistics Zone.

Saudia Cargo, China Cargo Form Alliance to Boost Trade Ties

Saudia Cargo and China Cargo Airlines, amidst evolving global trade dynamics, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Cargo Symposium, forging a strategic alliance to enhance trade between Saudi Arabia and China.

The partnership aims to optimize export operations, provide advanced logistics services, and capitalize on growing global market demands, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative, ensuring resilient supply chains in today’s interconnected world.

The MoU establishes a framework for enhanced collaboration, with both parties committed to strengthening interline cooperation, building upon existing and future SPA agreements. This includes joint marketing and promotional activities, the execution of joint marketing strategies, and a focus on harmonizing cargo service operations, pricing, and the provision of specialized cargo handling for sensitive goods.

Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo, said”: “This MoU with China Cargo Airlines represents a significant milestone for Saudia Cargo. We are setting our sights on elevating shipping capabilities and broaden our export footprint in the Chinese markets. By optimizing export operations and delivery advanced logistic services that cater to evolving global market demands, we are confident that this partnership will not only strengthen our position as a leading global cargo carrier but also contribute significantly to the realization of Vision 2030.”

Saudia Cargo
Loay Mashabi, CEO and Managing Director of Saudia Cargo       and Wang Jianmin, President of China Cargo Airlines

Wang Jianmin, President of China Cargo Airlines, added: “We are delighted to embark on this strategic journey with Saudia Cargo. We firmly believe that by uniting our strengths and resources, we can generate substantial value for our customers, enhance trade connectivity between Asia and the Middle East, and play a key role in the success of both Saudi Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative. To ensure the effective execution of this MoU, we will establish an executive team comprised of representatives from both organizations, fostering seamless collaboration and driving impactful results.”

The agreement builds on the success of Saudia Cargo’s “Landing in China in 24” campaign, launched last year, which generated significant engagement from key partners and underscored the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions connecting the Kingdom with key Chinese markets.

China stands as Saudi Arabia’s primary merchandise trading partner, with exports reaching 16.1 billion SAR in 2023, representing 17% of the Kingdom’s total exports. This underscores the increasing importance of this trade corridor and the potential for further growth.